FORMER Soviet Union star Oleg Blokhin last night spoke of his fond memories of taking on Wales in the World Cup Qualifiers way back in 1981.

And Blokhin, arguably the greatest outfield player the USSR ever possessed, expects Wales to be just as tough to play against at the Millennium Stadium on Wednesday as they were 22 years ago in Wrexham.

"It was a long time ago, and so details are a bit hazy, but of course I remember the games against Wales because I scored in the home leg," said the man who has now taken over as Ukrainian head coach.

"I can remember we had a tough time of it in Wrexham.

"Wales were a typical British side - they made us battle for every ball. We were happy to get away with a draw over there."

Having earned a 0-0 draw in Wrexham, the Welsh then succumbed to a 3-0 defeat in the away fixture.

That second game - which took place almost 22 years ago to this day on 18 November 1981 - was played in the sunshine of the Georgian capital Tbilisi - a far cry from the sub-zero temperatures of Moscow that the Welsh encountered yesterday.

"When they came over to Tbilisi it was a bit of a different story," said Blokhin, pictured below.

"We really imposed our game and had an easier time of it and I scored a good goal."

Blokhin's memory bank must be packed to bursting point.

That goal against the Welsh was one of 42 notched up by the former European Player of the Year in a record breaking 112 appearances for the USSR.

And that's not to mention more than 250 goals for Dynamo Kiev in a career that spanned 1969-87.

"I'd be lying if I said I knew too much about the modern Welsh side - but of course I know about Mark Hughes and Ryan Giggs by reputation," he admitted.

"And I know they've made big progress in recent times. I certainly don't think the Russians can afford to be complacent.

"I don't think there is any point comparing today's Russian side with the Soviet side I played in.

"That was a very special side. And you have to remember that we had not just Russians, but players came from other parts of the USSR which are now independent countries.

"We had many Ukrainian and Georgian players."

Blokhin, himself a Ukrainian, was one of several Dynamo Kiev players who formed the backbone of that Soviet team, managed masterfully by the late Valery Lobanovsky.

"Lobanovsky was a legend. I owe him a great ideal," says Blokhin.

Blokhin assumed the reins of the Ukrainian side in September, taking over from Leonid Buriak, another former Soviet international who faced Wales in 1981.

"Managing the Ukrainian side is a great honour," said Blokhin, who has also served as an MP in the Ukrainian parliament, the Rada.

"The invitation came out of the blue and was a bit of a surprise.

"I'd been coaching at club level in Greece and I know that the competition for the job was stiff.

"Obviously following in Lobanovsky's footsteps was a daunting task.

"He did a huge amount for Ukrainian football and had an influence on every manager in Ukraine.

"But that said every trainer must find his own path, and establish his own philosophy.

"Lobanovsky was unique and it would be impossible to try and copy him, just as it would be foolish for a player to try and copy, say, Keegan, Cruyff or George Best."

Given the job after the Ukraine's disappointing Euro2004 qualifying campaign, Blokhin has promised that his priority now is to guide his country to the next World Cup.

"I'm an optimist by nature," he said.

"We now have to focus all of our energies in ensuring that Ukraine makes it to the World Cup in 2006.

"It's early days though. I'll have a better idea when we've played a few more friendlies.